How Not to Run Your Crochet Design Business: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re here, you’re likely looking to turn your crochet creativity into a thriving enterprise. However, even the most experienced designers face pitfalls that could hinder their progress. In this quick and actionable guide, we’ll discuss the top mistakes people make when running a crochet design business, and more importantly, how you can avoid them to ensure your success.

Most Common Crochet Design Business Mistakes

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crochet designer, avoiding these common mistakes will help you thrive. Ready to dive in? Keep reading or listen to the podcast to learn ten of the biggest mistakes crochet designers make—and how to dodge them. 👇

Crochet Design Business Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Bypassing or Overthinking Market Research

One of the most common mistakes is launching a product before understanding who your target audience is or what they actually want. It’s tempting to design first and hope to find buyers later. But to maximize your chances of success, start with a solid understanding of who you’re designing for. Identify their preferences, needs, and desires—then tailor your designs to them.

Equally important is avoiding the research trap, where you get stuck gathering information, doubting every idea, and ultimately never launching anything. I suggest mapping out your target customer, focusing on their unique needs, and brainstorming a few design ideas based on those insights. Then, dive in! Remember, action is what moves your business forward.

2. Not Taking Notes While Designing

Let’s face it: designing can be a chaotic process, and keeping notes doesn’t always come naturally. But skipping this step will create more work down the line. If you don’t write down the details while you’re designing, you may find yourself trying to recreate the pattern from memory—often with frustrating results.

I have a solution! Consider using my free Design Sketch Notes, where you can jot down essentials like hook size, yarn weight, stitch counts, and design details. It’ll save you time, help you stay organized, and ensure that when it comes time to format your pattern, you have everything you need in one place.

3. Underpricing Patterns

Pricing is tricky, and many designers make the mistake of pricing too low, thinking it will attract more customers. In reality, underpricing can send the message that your patterns aren’t worth much. Customers often associate lower prices with lower quality, and they may skip over a $3 pattern in favor of a $5 or $6 one because they assume it’s more polished.

One thing that helps is to set a pricing goal based on your profit expectations. Figure out how many patterns you need to sell to make it worth your time, then set your prices accordingly. Remember, high-quality crochet work deserves fair compensation. My free Pattern Pricing Worksheet will help you determine a price point that will keep you and your customers happy!

In the same vein, selling bundles of patterns at incredibly low prices is also one of the more common crochet design business mistakes. While it might seem like a good way to gain quick sales, offering 50 patterns for $5, for example, can come off as desperate and undermine the perceived value of your work. Customers will get a huge amount of content for a small price, but they’re less likely to engage with your brand in the future because they already own everything you offer.

Instead, try bundling strategically. Offer small, themed bundles at fair prices that reflect your value. This approach keeps customers coming back and respects the work you put into each design.

4. Overlooking the Importance of Photography

Quality photos make a world of difference. Your photography should capture your design’s colors, textures, and stitches in a way that draws people in. Potential customers can’t touch or try on your creations, so your photos need to do the selling. Inconsistent lighting, poor framing, or blurry images can all detract from your work and hurt your sales.

For this photo of my latest design, the Barley Buttoned Hanging Basket, you can clearly see the finished product, displayed in an attractive setting. Lifestyle photos showcase the item in its intended environment, demonstrating its functionality and allowing the customer to envision the basket in their own lives.

If photography isn’t your strong suit, consider taking a course on smartphone photography or bartering with a professional. High-quality photos not only make your listings look great, but they also build trust in your brand.

5. Failing to Promote/Overpromoting

You’ve put your pattern on Instagram, but no one’s buying—sound familiar? Expecting one social media post to generate sales is unrealistic. Success often requires a comprehensive launch plan that includes sharing with your followers and reaching out to new audiences through collaborations and marketing on multiple platforms.

On the flip side, don’t make the mistake of over-promoting your crochet design business. This can alienate your audience. If every post is a sales pitch, people may disengage. Aim for a balance: post three non-sales content pieces (like tips, fun quotes, or community shout-outs) for every sales post. This way, your audience stays engaged, and you create value beyond the product.

6. Not Getting Pattern Tested/Tech Edited

You’ve put your pattern on Instagram, but no one’s buying—sound familiar? Expecting one social media post to generate sales is unrealistic. Success often requires a comprehensive launch plan that includes sharing with your followers and reaching out to new audiences through collaborations and marketing on multiple platforms.

7. Ignoring Pattern Standards

One of the top crochet design business mistakes that can really confuse and frustrate your customers is releasing patterns that don’t follow industry standard. This leads to poor reviews. Using standard abbreviations, proper sizing, and clear language makes it easier for customers to work through your designs and enjoy the process.

The Craft Yarn Council offers a free resource on pattern standards, and it’s a great place to start if you’re unsure. Sticking to industry norms will help your customers trust you, making them more likely to return for future patterns.

8. Creating Incomplete or Uninspiring Listing Descriptions

Creating an uninspired listing description—or, even worse, an incomplete one—can kill sales. You want your listing to engage customers, sparking excitement about the project. Provide all the practical details, such as yarn weight, skill level, and materials needed. Then, add a touch of inspiration. Let them know what’s special about your design, how it fits their needs, or how they’ll feel working on it.

If you’re stuck, AI tools can help create initial drafts of your descriptions. Use these tools to brainstorm compelling copy, then adjust it to fit your brand voice. Remember, a well-written listing does more than describe—it persuades. You can also grab my free Product Description Blueprint, which will guide you through writing five-star crochet product listings.

9. Not Leveraging Customer Generated Content

User-generated content, like customer photos and reviews, builds credibility for your patterns. It’s one thing to see a professional photo of your design; it’s another to see how real people enjoyed it. This “social proof” shows potential customers that your patterns yield beautiful results.

When someone tags you in a post or shares a photo of a finished project, ask if you can reshare it. Seeing others succeed with your pattern encourages new customers to give it a try. If they know others love it, they’re more likely to trust that they’ll love it too.

10. Giving in to Fear and Comparison

Perhaps the biggest of crochet design business mistakes is giving in to fear and comparison. We can struggle with self-doubt or get discouraged by comparing themselves to others. You may see another designer’s success and feel like you’re falling short, but remember that comparison only steals your joy. Your crochet journey is unique, and there’s room for all kinds of creativity in the crochet world.

Focus on your strengths, celebrate your wins, and connect with a supportive group of peers. Surround yourself with those who inspire and encourage you, and remember that every crochet business grows at its own pace.

A Few Final Thoughts

Starting a crochet business is rewarding, but it also comes with its share of challenges. By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, market research and pricing matter just as much as creativity. Quality photography, engaging listings, and a commitment to industry standards all help you build a strong brand.

And above all, believe in yourself and your work. There will always be room for improvement, but you’re on the right path, and every step forward is worth celebrating. Keep going, stay inspired, and happy crocheting!

Feel free to use this guide as a roadmap for creating or refining your crochet business. Remember, I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

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